Dental Assistant Salary in Benton, AR: $37,831 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dental assistant in Benton, AR earns a median $37,831/year (≈ $18.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9091). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $43,534 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the evolving landscape of dental assistant roles significantly influences compensation levels, particularly due to the state's EFDA expanded function authority. The projected median annual salary for dental assistants in 2026 is $37,831, which represents a notable deviation from the national median of $49,579, indicating a 23.70% difference that underscores the local market's unique characteristics. Salary estimates show a range from $29,169 at the 10th percentile to $46,901 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying responsibilities and skill sets among dental assistants in the region. These figures stem from BLS state-level data and regional price parity adjustments. Given the concentrated employment of just five dental assistants in Benton, this localized context further influences the overall salary structure, as demand in niche areas of dentistry evolves.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($35,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,169 | $14.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,555 | $16.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,831 | $18.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,812 | $21.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46,901 | $22.55 |
Median Salary Position
23.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the dental assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $17,732 (2026 est.). At $37,831, the local median is 23.7% below the national median of $49,579.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Benton Dental Assistant Pay Compares
Benton median: $37,831/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $38,603 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $49,579 | -23.70% less |
Dental Assistants in Benton, AR earn a median of $37,831 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.70% lower than the national median of $49,579 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $38,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A dental assistant earning $37,831 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,534 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$30,582
2025 BLS Actual
$36,679
2026 Current Est.
$37,831
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dental Assistants in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.14% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,422 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,499 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,199 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,796 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,679 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,831 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,019 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median dental assistant salary grew 19.9% from $30,582 (2019) to $36,679 (2025). At a 3.14% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,437 (27.59%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.14% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,169 – $34,555 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,555 – $37,831 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,831 – $44,812 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,812 – $46,901 |
DA, CDA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dental assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dental Assistant Job Market in Benton
While the job market for dental assistants in Benton remains modest with only five professionals employed in the area, the cost of living index stands at 86.9, favorably providing a more affordable living situation compared to the national average. This financial backdrop enhances the purchasing power of local dental assistants, particularly as they explore various employment opportunities across different practice settings. Employers such as orthodontic and oral surgery practices often offer higher salaries than general dental offices, largely due to the specialized knowledge required in these fields. Factors that contribute to the pay disparity in Benton include the expanded function credentialing, the prevalence of DSO chains like Heartland and Aspen implementing standardized pay scales, and roles such as treatment coordinators that blend responsibilities. To optimize their salary potential, dental assistants should focus on acquiring relevant certifications, considering specialty practices, and seeking potential lead or mentoring positions that might offer stipends or bonuses.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $36,679 for dental assistantsin the Benton metropolitan area. A 3.14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.14%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dental assistants (SOC 31-9091).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov